Multi-Purpose Construction Panel and Method

ABSTRACT

A pre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel comprising a plurality of stud members of varying length generally parallel to each other possessing first terminal ends and second terminal ends; a truss frame comprising three brace members wherein one or more of said brace members comprises expansion-contraction members slideably attached to said first or second terminal ends of said stud members; and said truss panel comprises at least one reinforcement member secured between at least two of said stud members, or between one of said stud members and one of said brace members.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Application Ser.No. 10/600,806, filed on Jun. 19, 2003.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to construction assemblies for theconstruction of single and multi-story buildings. More specifically, thepresent invention provides an easier and more economic device and methodfor constructing single and multi-story buildings from a truss panel andwhich complies with applicable building codes, is resistant toenvironmental forces, and has superior load-bearing capacity.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

In recent years, the use of metal studs has gained acceptance, and ismandated for use in multi-story buildings, i.e., commercial buildings,such as office buildings and hospitals. It has been found that metalstuds can be advantageously employed, since a suitable metal, such asgalvanized steel, is stronger than wood, will not rot, is not subject todamage by pests such as termites, remains resistant to fire, and iseconomically feasible. Historically, construction of such multi-storybuildings was done piece by piece, i.e., stud by stud, thereby requiringsubstantial time, labor and money to construct a multi-story building.

Conventional steel frame buildings are constructed using thick gaugesteel to form the structural skeleton of the building. Howeverconsiderable difficulties arise in using thick gauge steel for buildingframes. The thick gauge steel is difficult to cut and form. Often, theheat generated by cutting destroys the galvanized coating on the steel.An added difficulty arises in joining the structural elements onceformed to make up a building frame. Owing to the rigid nature of thethick gauge steel, these structural elements cannot be easily deformedto fit one within another and must undergo crimping or other specialforming operations to ensure the proper mating between structural steeljoists.

A difficulty with conventional building structures is that assembly ofthe various elements requires skilled labor. In timber structures, theroof trusses are often constructed by assembling timber pieces on-sitebecause the heavy timber would be difficult to manage and lift anassembled or partially assembled form. The difficulty of assemblingtrusses on-site is that all the roof trusses must be assembled to definea plane for the intended roof surface and thus the upper edges of allthe roof trusses must align. Thus, considerable skilled labor isrequired to form a planar roof using a conventional truss system.

Over the course of time, prefabricated buildings came into existencewhereby manufacturers would assemble large portions of a buildingoff-site for complete construction at the building location. Althoughpartially pre-fabricated, complete construction remained time consumingand costly because the pre-fabricated fabricated pieces would oftentimes not properly fit together thereby requiring deformation of theadjacent pieces to join the pieces. In addition, structural steel wouldstill be required to form the structural foundation of the building.Generally, pre-fabricated structures were not intended to endure extremeenvironmental forces such as seismic events or wind sway caused byhurricane winds, unless specially engineered to do so.

Generally, both multi-story and single story buildings were constructedpiece by piece or using pre-fabricated construction units consisting ofmetal studs, metal headers, metal anchors, fasteners, and wallboard.These pieces alone do not support the construction of a multi-storybuilding let alone an edifice which could withstand extremeenvironmental forces. The invention disclosed herein presents amulti-purpose assembly to form pre-fabricated walls, pre-fabricatedfloors and pre-fabricated trusses for the construction of a multi-storybuilding which can be assembled easily and cost effectively, without theneed of structural steel while still withstanding environmental forcessuch as gravity from floor loads, seismic forces from earthquakes, andwind sway from hurricane-type winds.

Metal studs are typically formed of sheet metal bent to encompass across sectional area having nominal dimensions of two inches by fourinches. To conform to architectural plans and building coderequirements, metal studs are formed of sheet metal bent into generally“c”-shaped cross-section in which a relatively broad central base isflanked by a pair of narrower sides that are bent at right angles to thebase. The base typically has a uniform range of 1⅝ to 16 inches which iscommonly referred to as the “web.” The sides of the “c”-shaped studtypically extends a distance of 1 to 3 from the base which are commonlyreferred to as “flanges.” To enhance structural rigidity the flanges ofthe stud, the flanges are normally bent over into a plane parallel toand spaced from the plane of the web. These turned over edges of thesides thereby form marginal lips which are typically one quarter to onehalf inch in width. Conventionally, the metal studs are erected with thewebs oriented on the same side in the same direction.

Metal headers are typically formed of sheet metal bent into generally“u”-shaped cross-section in which a relatively broad central base isflanked by a pair of narrower perpendicular flanges extending downwardfrom the base. The base typically has a uniform nominal width of eitherfour inches or 3⅝ inches which is commonly referred to as the “web.” Theflanges of the “u”-shaped stud typically extends a nominal distance oftwo inches from the base. Each stud is attached to the header with aself tapping screw or other, similar fasteners.

To complete a common construction assembly, sheathing manufactured fromgypsum or plywood is attached to the outside of the studs. However, thiscommon assembly is unable to withstand extreme floor loads, wind sway orseismic tremors. If installed in a multi-story building the sheathingwould crack and break as a result of being locked in place with a commonconstruction assembly.

Recently, to overcome the locking of the sheathing, more specificallygypsum wallboard, the header and the method to attach the stud have beenmodified. This modification is reflected in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127, 203,claim 5; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,788. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,127,203, and5,127,760 disclose a header possessing a multiplicity of vertical slotsalong the longitudinal axis the flanges the permit the studs andwallboard attached thereto to deflect vertically as a result of seismicmovement, and natural expansion and contraction of buildings. U.S. Pat.No. 5,913,788 improved upon the wall assembly by the insertion of ametal stand-off washer between the self-tapping screw and the flange ofthe header to prevent locking the stud within the slotted metal header.U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,788 provided for horizontal movement in response toenvironmental forces with the addition of a horizontal slot in the webof the slotted u-shaped channel. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,788improved upon the method of fire-proofing used with respect to headersthat deflect with the inclusion of pop-up tabs built into the header tohold the fire-safing material inserted into the flutes of the corrugatedmetal decking generally installed as part of the roof structure abovethe wall assembly. Despite these improvements, the wall assembliesdisclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,788; 5,127,760; and 5,127,203 did notprovide a sufficient meachnism for reinforcing the assemblies againstsheer forces and perpendicular forces such as wind. Furthermore, theassembly disclosed by each of the foregoing patents is only useable asan interior wall assembly. The foregoing assemblies cannot withstandenvironmental forces of wind in order to be used as an outside wallstructure, or withstand the application of weight in a horizontalsetting as a floor. Consequently, a new assembly and method becamenecessary to endure these environmental forces while as obviating theneed for costly structural steel.

Historically, vertical metal studs are braced or linked transversely toprovide enhanced structural rigidity. The first method of bracing wasknown as “Black Iron.” “Black Iron” comprises a metal “u”-shaped channelwhich is run through the parallel apertures of the parallel studs toreinforce the parallel studs. Additional examples of such braces aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,260,318; 5,189,857; 4,791,766; 4,658,556;and 1,867,449. However, the prior art does provide the strengthnecessary for such assemblies to meet or exceed building coderequirements for use as either a floor assembly or exterior wallassembly. For example, the Florida Building Code requires that floorassemblies shall withstand a maximum of 150 pounds per square foot oflive load in armories and drill room, and 100 pounds per square foot oflive load in residential, office buildings, and manufacturingfacilities. Florida Building Code § 1604 (2001). The Florida BuildingCode further requires that wall assemblies withstand a minimum of 10pounds per square foot. Florida Building Code § 1606.1.2 (2001).

The claimed invention discloses a construction assembly which may beused to form pre-fabricated floors, pre-fabricated exterior and interiorwalls which also serve as structural support for a multi-story edifice,and pre-fabricated trusses for the construction of roofs and ceilings.The use of such pre-fabricated building assemblies allows propertyowners and contractors to construct multi-story buildings with lesstime, labor and cost, while still complying with applicable building andsafety codes.

Moreover, the claimed panel assemblies avoid the cost of purchasing andinstalling structural steel to form the structural framework of amulti-story building. The unique bracing system incorporated into eachassembly provides enough strength and integrity that the assembly canwithstand over 300 pounds per square foot of load.

The claimed assembly incorporates fire stopping in accordance with theBOCA National Building Code and the anticipated International BuildingCode. The BOCA Code defines “draft stopping” as “building materialsinstalled to prevent the movement of air, smoke, gases, and flame toother areas of the building through large concealed passages.” See BOCA§ 7.02.0 (1999). See also International Building Code § 702.1 (1998).

The claimed invention also incorporates the ability to attach handrailsand grab bars in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act(ADA) code requirements when the assembly as used as a wall structure.The transverse brace between parallel studs permits the anchoring ofhand rail and grab bars which can with stand 250 pounds of point loadpressure in accordance with the ADA. See ADA Accessibility Guidelinesfor Buildings and Facilities, 56 Federal Register 35408 (Jul. 26, 1991).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel comprising aplurality of stud members of varying length generally parallel to eachother possessing first terminal ends and second terminal ends; a trussframe comprising three brace members wherein one or more of said bracemembers comprises expansion-contraction members slideably attached tosaid first or second terminal ends of said stud members; and said trusspanel comprises at least one reinforcement member secured between atleast two of said stud members, or between one of said stud members andone of said brace members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be morereadily apparent when considered in relation to the preferredembodiments of the invention as set forth in the specification and shownin the drawings. Referring now to the drawings which illustrate theinvention as follows:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a construction panel for use as either awall or a floor.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a construction panel for use as either awall or a floor.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of bridging, bracing and fire-blockinginserted between vertical studs.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a construction panel incorporating botha vertical and horizontal expansion-contraction joists.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a construction panel incorporatinghorizontal expansion-contraction joists along the top end and bottom endof studs.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a construction panel incorporatinghorizontal construction joints along the top and bottom of studs andvertically attached to terminal studs of the panel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a construction panel for use as a wallincorporating a door opening.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a construction panel for use as a wallincorporating a window opening.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a construction truss panel withexpansion-contraction joints opposite a hypotenuse side of the truss.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a construction truss panel with anexpansion-contraction joint attached to a vertical stud.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a construction truss panel having anexpansion-contraction joint attached parallel to the longest verticalstud and opposite the hypotenuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A complete understanding of this invention can be gained throughreference to the drawings in conjunction with a thorough review of thedisclosure herein.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, whichdepicts a construction panel embodiment for use as either a wall or afloor assembly. The preferred embodiment incorporates a plurality ofparallel studs 15 which are preferably spaced apart eighteen inches oncenter. The first terminal end of the studs 18 are fastened to anexpansion-contraction joist 20 that forms part or all of a panel framearound the studs. It is preferred that the expansion-contraction joistcomprises a slotted u-shaped channel as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,127,203 which is incorporated herein by reference. The second terminalend of the studs 19 are fastened to an anchor 32 or a secondexpansion-contraction joist if desired. The anchor 32 comprises a“u”-shaped channel having of a horizontal web wide enough to accommodatethe width a stud 15 and vertical flanges rising from the web. It ispreferred the first terminal end 16 and the second terminal end 17 ofthe studs 15 are secured respectively by an expansion-contraction joist20. The parallel studs 15 are slideably attached to theexpansion-contraction joists 20 using fasteners 40 known in the art. Itis preferred however, that the fasteners 40 are self-tapping screws orother like fasteners. To insure that a stud 15 deflects within theexpansion-contraction joist 20, it is recommended that a washer 35 isplaced between the fastener 40 and the expansion-contraction joist 20.It is preferred that the washer 35 is a stand-off washer as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,467,566 which is incorporated herein by reference. If ananchor 32 comprising “u”-shaped channel is used to secure the secondterminal end 17 of the parallel studs 15, the studs can then be fixed tothe anchor 32 using a fastener 40.

To accommodate construction error, i.e., avoiding gaps betweenassemblies or cutting of the assemblies when the assemblies areinterconnected to construct a building, it is preferred that at leastone expansion-contraction joist 20 is slideably fastened to the firstterminal stud 18 of the panel 10. It is preferred theexpansion-contraction joist 20 comprises a slotted track as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,127,203, which is incorporated herein by reference. Theexpansion-contraction joist 20 is preferably attached to the terminalstuds 18 19 with self-tapping screws. It is also preferred that a washer35 is inserted between the fastener and the slotted track used as theexpansion-contraction joist. It is preferred that the washer 35 is astand-off washer. To provide greater flexibility for the absorption ofconstruction errors, a second expansion-contraction joist 20 may also beattached to a second terminal stud 19 of the panel 10.

To provide structural support to the panel 10, bridging, bracing andfire-blocking 30 are installed transversely between each stud 15. It ispreferred that the bridging, bracing and fire-blocking 30 are installedbetween each stud six to twelve inches on center apart from each other.The preferred bridging, bracing and fire-blocking is a unitary bridging,backing and fire stop device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,318 whichis incorporated herein by reference. However, preferred bridging,bracing and fire-blocking described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,318 can bemodified in a novel way by reversing a second flange in an upwarddirection in order to permit a complementary installation of two of theunitary bridging, backing and fire stop devices between parallel studs15 to form a box structure. In this way, the box structure formed by thecomplementary installation of the preferred bridging between the studs15 may then be used as a conduit for running of utility lines throughthe construction assembly provided the box structure is aligned withapertures generally formed in standard studs.

The method of constructing this new construction assembly supports theobjective of cost-effectiveness. In a standard panel, studs 15 are laidparallel to each other with the “c”-shape of each stud facing the samedirection. Second, the first terminal end 17 of the parallel studs 16are inserted into the expansion-contraction joist 20. Third, the studsare slideably fastened 40 to the expansion-contraction joist(s) 20through apertures in the expansion-contraction joist(s) 20 with thefastener 40 first passing through a washer 35. Fourth, the secondterminal end of the stud 19 is inserted into an anchor 32. Fifth, thesecond terminal end of the stud is fastened to the anchor 32 using afastener 40. If the second terminal end of the stud is fastened to anexpansion-contraction joist 20, it is preferred that the fastener 40 isfirst inserted through the aperture of a stand-off washer 35 beforesecuring the second terminal end of the stud 17 to theexpansion-contraction joist 20 to slideably connect the stud 15 and theexpansion-contraction joist. Sixth, the bridging, bracing andfire-blocking 30 is inserted between each stud 15. Seventh, thebridging, bracing and fire-blocking 30 is fixed between the studs 15.Eighth, a first expansion-contraction joist 20 is slideably attached tothe first terminal stud 18 using a fastener 40 inserted through a washer35. Ninth, if desired, a second expansion contraction joist 20 isslideably attached parallel to a second terminal stud 19 using afastener 40 inserted through a washer 35. Last, sheathing 45 is attachedto the studs 15 so as not to impair expansion-contraction of the studsand sheathing in relation to the expansion-contraction joist to completethe panel 10.

If the panel is intended to be used as an interior wall, then gypsumwallboard is applied to the opposite sides of the panel. If it is usedas an exterior wall then metal sheathing, wood paneling or glass isapplied to the side which will form the exterior of the building, andgypsum wallboard is applied to the side which will form the interiorwall of the building. If the panel is intended to be used as a floorpanel, then plywood or other similar material can be attached to theopposite sides.

Referring to FIG. 7, which depicts a wall panel incorporating a windowopening, the preferred structure and method of construction discussedwith respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 above, remains the same, with theadditional method of incorporating a window opening without defeatingthe integrity of the entire construction assembly. The window opening inthe wall assembly is created by cutting out a section of at least one ofthe parallel studs 15 to form the window opening. The terminal ends ofthe severed stud(s) are capped by the bridging, bracing andfire-blocking 30 or a “u”-shaped metal channel thereby forming agenerally smooth square or rectangular opening for the installation of awindow and frame.

FIGS. 6A and 6B, depict a construction wall panel incorporating a dooropening. The preferred structure and method of assembly discussed withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 2 above remains the same, with the addition ofthe method to form a door opening created by removing a terminal lengthof a stud to form the door opening. The remaining portion of the severedstud can then be capped by either the bridging, bracing andfire-blocking 30 or a metal “u”-shaped channel attached between theremaining parallel studs which form the door opening. Thereafter, a doorand frame may be attached within the opening of the panel.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a truss construction panel. As an alternate methodfor constructing a truss, studs of increasing or decreasing length canbe used to form a triangular or other shape to form the interior of thepanel. Triangular trusses of various shapes(equilateral/scalene/isosceles) are used primarily as roof supports.

Terminal ends of studs 15 on the truss panel form a hypotenuse of thetruss and are fastened to an anchor 32. It is preferred the anchor 32comprises a “u”-shaped channel possessing a central web which is wideenough to accommodate the studs 15, and perpendicular flanges extendingfrom the web at least two inches in length. The terminal ends of thestuds opposite the hypotenuse of the truss are preferably attached to anexpansion-contraction joist 20. However, it will be recognizable tothose skilled in the art that an expansion-contraction joist 20 can alsobe fastened to any side of the truss. To provide the truss panel withthe greatest ability to absorb workmanship errors during theconstruction of a building, i.e., avoid gaps between constructionpanels, it is preferred the terminal stud forming the right angle of thetriangle truss is slideably attached to an expansion-contraction joist20. It is preferred that self tapping screws are used as fasteners tosecure the studs to the expansion-contraction joists and anchor. Toinsure that the stud deflects within the expansion-contraction joists,it is also recommended that a washer 35 is placed between a fastener 40and an expansion-contraction joist 20. It is preferred that the washer35 is a stand-off washer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,566 whichis incorporated herein by reference.

As in a flat panel of the present invention, the studs are typicallyplaced parallel to each other. However, not all studs need to beparallel to each other as there may be more than one set of studs witheach stud in a set being parallel to the studs of its respective set butnot parallel to the studs of the other set. In this way, the trussinterior can be formed of a criss-cross pattern of studs to addadditional structural strength.

In another exemplary embodiment and to provide further support to thetruss panel, rigid attachments such as welds or other more permanentfasteners can be applied to the truss joints where each of theexpansion-contraction joists intersect. Or, if using an anchor or othersolid support joist or combination truss with solid support and anexpansion-contraction joist, creating a more permanent attachment wherethese intersect each other. In this way, the studs will be still be ableto expand or contract at their terminal ends but the truss proper willbe able to withstand increased forces because of the rigid attachmentsat the truss corners.

To provide structural support to the truss assembly, at least onebridging, bracing and fire-blocking 30 is installed transversely betweeneach parallel stud. The preferred bridging, bracing and fire-blocking 30is a unitary bridging, backing and fire stop device described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,260,318 which is incorporated herein by reference. However,the preferred bridging, bracing and fire-blocking described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,260,318 can be uniquely modified by reversing the second flange inan upward direction to permit the complementary installation of two ofthe unitary bridging, backing and fire stop devices between the parallelstud to form a box structure. The box structure formed by thecomplementary installation of the preferred bridging between theparallel studs 15 may be used as a conduit for running of utility linesthrough the construction assembly provided the box structure is alignedwith the aperture generally formed in standard studs.

The method of construction for the truss assembly is the same as for thewall and floor assembly discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, however,studs are of various length, usually in descending or ascending order.

It is preferred that the foregoing embodiments are constructed fromgalvanized steel, not less than sixteen gauge to provide the soundeststructural construction.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

While the above description contains many specifications, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but asexemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Manyother ramifications and variations are possible within the teaching ofthe invention.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not solely by the examplesgiven.

1. A pre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel comprising: aplurality of stud members of varying length generally parallel to eachother possessing first terminal ends and second terminal ends; a trussframe comprising three brace members wherein one or more of said bracemembers comprises expansion-contraction members slideably attached tosaid first or second terminal ends of said stud members; and said trusspanel comprises at least one reinforcement member secured between atleast two of said stud members, or between one of said stud members andone of said brace members.
 2. The pre-fabricated multi-purposeconstruction truss panel of claim 1 wherein: said stud members furthercomprise a first set of stud members generally parallel to each otherand a second set of stud members generally parallel to each other.
 3. Apre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel of claim 1wherein: All of said brace members comprise expansion-contractionmembers slideably attached to each other.
 4. The pre-fabricatedmulti-purpose construction truss panel of claim 1 wherein: said at leastone reinforcement member comprises a boxed reinforcement member betweenat least two of said stud members or between one of said stud membersand one of said brace members.
 5. The pre-fabricated multi-purposeconstruction truss panel of claim 1 wherein: said brace members arepermanently secured where said one or more horizontalexpansion-contraction members intersect each other.
 6. Thepre-fabricated multi-purpose construction truss panel of claim 1wherein: said at least one reinforcement member comprises a boxedreinforcement member either between at least two of said stud members orbetween one of said stud members and one of said brace members comprisedof a pair of complementary unitary elongated metal plate-like members;said unitary elongated metal plate-like member terminates in a first endand a second end; said unitary plate-like member possesses a firsthorizontal edge and a second horizontal edge between the first end andsecond end; said first end and second end of the elongated metalplate-like member extend generally upward and perpendicular from theelongated metal plate to form a first flange on said first end and asecond flange on said second end to permit the fastening of theelongated plate to said stud members or said brace members; said firstend of the elongated metal plate incorporates a pair of parallel notchesalong the horizontal axis; said first horizontal edge and the secondhorizontal edge of the elongated plate are folded downward andperpendicular to the elongated plate forming a first downward flange anda second downward flange; and said first downward flange of the firsthorizontal edge is substantially longer than the second downward flangeof the second horizontal edge and the width of first downward flange isgreater than the width of said elongated plate-like member.
 7. Theprefabricated multipurpose construction truss panel of claim 1 whereinat least one aperture is formed therein and reinforcing said at leastone aperture with one or more reinforcement members.
 8. A method forconstructing a multi-purpose construction truss panel comprising:placing a plurality of stud members of varying length possessing firstand second terminal ends generally parallel to each other; creating atruss frame of three brace members around said stud members wherein oneor more of said brace members comprise one or more expansion-contractionmembers slideably attached to said first and second terminal ends ofsaid stud members; and inserting at least one reinforcement memberbetween at least two of said generally parallel stud members or betweenone of said stud members and one of said brace members.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 for constructing a multi-purpose construction truss panelwherein: said plurality of stud members further comprises a first set ofstud members generally parallel to each other and a second set of studmembers generally parallel to each other.
 10. The method of claim 8 forconstructing a multi-purpose construction truss panel wherein: saidbrace members comprise expansion-contraction members slideably attachedto each other.
 11. The method of claim 8 for constructing amulti-purpose construction truss panel wherein: said at least onereinforcement member comprises a boxed reinforcement member between atleast two of said stud members or between one of said stud members andone of said brace members.
 12. The method of claim 8 for constructing amulti-purpose construction truss panel wherein: said brace members arepermanently secured where said one or more horizontalexpansion-contraction members intersect each other.
 13. The method ofclaim 8 for constructing a multi-purpose construction truss panelwherein: said at least one reinforcement member comprises a boxedreinforcement member either between at least two of said stud members orbetween one of said stud members and one of said brace members comprisedof a pair of complementary unitary elongated metal plate-like members;said unitary elongated metal plate-like member terminates in a first endand a second end; said unitary plate-like member possesses a firsthorizontal edge and a second horizontal edge between the first end andsecond end; said first end and second end of the elongated metalplate-like member extend generally upward and perpendicular from theelongated metal plate to form a first flange on said first end and asecond flange on said second end to permit the fastening of theelongated plate to said stud members or said brace members; said firstend of the elongated metal plate incorporates a pair of parallel notchesalong the horizontal axis; said first horizontal edge and the secondhorizontal edge of the elongated plate are folded downward andperpendicular to the elongated plate forming a first downward flange anda second downward flange; and said first downward flange of the firsthorizontal edge is substantially longer than the second downward flangeof the second horizontal edge and the width of first downward flange isgreater than the width of said elongated plate-like member.
 14. Themethod of claim 8 for constructing a prefabricated multipurposeconstruction truss panel wherein at least one aperture is formed thereinand reinforcing said at least one aperture with one or morereinforcement members.